I suspect (and hope) the fact that the Rugby Union World Cup is being shown on terrestrial TV will help to illustrate to the general public the fundamental differences between rugby and Association Football; and, in particular, how many of those who play soccer are downright cheats compared with their RU counterparts.
Elaboation isn't necessary; however, it's a matter of absolute fact that simulation and disrespecting the officials is endemic in the, so-called, "beautiful game" but almost unheard of where the oval ball is concerned. It has often been supposed that the enormous amount of money involved in The English Premier League, for example, is a factor; however, it has recently occured to me that there might be another, less obvious - and, perhaps, contentious - reason for the differences; and that is education (or the lack of it).
Let me explain.
It's no secret that the elaborate scouting system employed by EPL clubs often results in young boys, barely into their teens, being spotted and inducted into acadamies and, as a consequence, their conventional education is basic - at best. By comparison, however, many Rugby Union players went to private schools; so, on the one hand, they are much better educated and, on the other hand, have been taught to respect authority. How many times, for example, can cocky Premier League players be seen directing quite obviously obscene language towards officials; whereas huge front-row forwards address the referee as "Sir".
End of Story.
Elaboation isn't necessary; however, it's a matter of absolute fact that simulation and disrespecting the officials is endemic in the, so-called, "beautiful game" but almost unheard of where the oval ball is concerned. It has often been supposed that the enormous amount of money involved in The English Premier League, for example, is a factor; however, it has recently occured to me that there might be another, less obvious - and, perhaps, contentious - reason for the differences; and that is education (or the lack of it).
Let me explain.
It's no secret that the elaborate scouting system employed by EPL clubs often results in young boys, barely into their teens, being spotted and inducted into acadamies and, as a consequence, their conventional education is basic - at best. By comparison, however, many Rugby Union players went to private schools; so, on the one hand, they are much better educated and, on the other hand, have been taught to respect authority. How many times, for example, can cocky Premier League players be seen directing quite obviously obscene language towards officials; whereas huge front-row forwards address the referee as "Sir".
End of Story.
